BuffaloSoldiers

BraveUnsungFreedom Fighters ofAmerica withLasting Legacies Overcame

SuperhumanOddsLeavingDignifiedImprints inEveryRuggedStep

BraveUnsungFreedom Fighters ofAmerica withLasting Legacies Overcame

SuperhumanOddsLeavingDignifiedImprints inEveryRuggedStep

A Poetic Tribute by Venus JonesCopyright © 2005-2013 Venus Jones. Al l rights reserved.

Introduction

Proud

I’m proud to be an AmericanI fought in every war you see

Then I had to come back home and still fight to be free

But I’d gladly stand up next to the Klan who believe I have no right to be

And say there is no doubt Africans love this land We built it three centuries for free

This statue tributes the Buffalo Soldier and it is found at the entrance of the US Army's Fort Huachuca, in Sierra Vista, Arizona.

Who are the Buffalo Soldiers?

Buffalo Soldiers originally were members of the U.S. 10th Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army, formed on September 21, 1866 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

The nickname was given to the Cavalry by American Indian tribe members; the term eventually became synonymous with all of the Black regiments.

Blacks who served with little to no pay before the enforcement of desegregation of the military in 1952 are considered Buffalo Soldiers. These proud human beings were fighting for survival in two wars at home and abroad.

Blacks were known for their thick skin. They could take charge of any situation they found themselves in. They were feared like mighty Buffalo but also respected like Bison.

In 1866 16 months after the Civil War Uncle Sam came knocking on my door He asked me to help maintain the peaceI could stay in uniform and gain a decent feastJust agree to stay separate and 15 steps behind For many of us it was the first taste of dignity we’d find

369 th Regiment in l ine formation World War I.

On the dock in Tampa

Troop C, 9 th Cavalry Regiment on the Port Tampa dock in Tampa, Florida - June 13, 1898

In 1898 Tampa natives caught a glimpse of Black service men in uniform. They arrived to green palm trees and weather that was tropical and warm.

It was the eve of the departure for Cuba but there was still racial debate. They set sail despite the doubt and the hate. Who knew that those who believed Black soldiers were weak would be proven wrong? Who knew they’d return to praise from Roosevelt, five honors and they’d give birth to Bob Marley’s song?

On Saturday December 5, 1998 the Tampa Historical Society placed a mark on the northeast corner of Columbus Drive and Central Avenue. This was a sign that proves two units camped in Tampa Heights those honorable Black men in Blue.

Ten years prior to that street being marked as a treasured place, John Henry Padgett, Israel Tillman and Charles Vann sat at a round table face to face.

The goal to submit the chapter’s first constitution and bylaws to the national association. On August 2, 1997 at WestPoint in New York, Tampa veterans had just cause for celebration.

Tampa had a reason to boast the only Buffalo chapter in Florida from coast to coast. The Woods and Wanton Chapter was the name they chose, in memory of Sergeant Brent Woods and Private George Wanton – Black American Heroes.

The Equestrian Legacy

If you see a Black statue/holding a ring on a lawn/ Some say it’s a tribute to the likes of me/Tending and racing horses in the United States/ Derby/This is a test of mastery/ Watch as my good friend shakes my hand/ Together we made a pact to ride/ as one/ on God’s green land/ This wild stallion/would put his trustin a soldier from 9th Calvary everyday/ He’s the best horse and I’m the best jockey/ That’s what they all say/

Black soldiers were gifted horsemen/ it’s true/Black cowboys were a safe bet/as trainers and crew/

9th Calvary Soldier (1875-1902)

The Hell Fighters on 5th AvenueReturning to America from France, the year is 1919.Some of us are smiling at the thought of a clean canteen.Our regiment never lost a captured man; our victory was profound.We were in combat for 191 days, longer than any other unit abound.The enemy called us “The Hell Fighters,” but we began as Infantry 369.After World War I we continued to battle bigotry at home, what a crime.When fighting for the French we were given keys to the land like the National Guard.The first American to receive a French Cross was one of us, for going the extra yard.So this is a joyous occasion as we reunite with our friends and family in that loud crowd!When we were asked to step in the back of the white soldiers our heads were not bowed.We are marching up 5th Avenue stomping hatred in the ground.We are marching up 5th Avenue in front, you can’t bring us down.Because the bed of democracy and freedom is the one that we made.Yet they still asked us to march in the back of our own parade.We said we will lead the way in the city like we did in the field.Ain’t I a man? I’ve proven that I can destroy and rebuild.America, since you’ve given me these tools to deliver and fight.I‘m giving you my left – “Left!”I‘m giving you my right – “Right!”Our finish line is justice and it’s a steady flame within sight

The Hell Fighters return from France

Black Lady Liberty In the words of Sojourner Truth….

That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody helps me any best place — And ain’t I a woman?

Cathay Williams was the very first Black female soldier to stand in lineShe was looking for freedom with the ballot on her mind

So many women followed in her footsteps willing to serveThey were medics and postal workers with heart and nerve

7 days a week, over 12 hours, in blistering wind and baking sun, Like their male counterparts lady libertygot the job done.

Major Adams inspecting 6888 Postal Battalion

Tuskegee Airmen

Tuskegee Airmen preparing for f l ight World War I I

 During World War II many miracles occurredOur success was considered “absurd”

Yet we flew like Ravens higher than highRacist were in so much awe they wanted to die We were men and women with talent and skillDestroying the 3/5 myth with pure honor and will

We made it through the storm and we made it togetherMastering the wood and steel / no matter the weather Bessie Coleman said, “Prove to yourself you are the best.”And we broke records, surpassing the intelligence test

Soaring through the air protecting countless Bombers in flight

America had the perfect pilots with freedom in their sight

Dorie Miller 1919-1943

I was the first Black sailor in the Navy to receive the highest congressional award. Like many before me, my works beyond the call of duty were ignored.

But when the African-American press picked up the story of my brave deed, they wrote President Roosevelt about a former farm boy, turned hero and Congress agreed.

I approached the abandoned post and began shooting at the approaching fighter planes. The Japanese were cutting it a little too close. So I didn’t care about being properly trained. I monitored the flames outside the kitchen on that infamous day.

FDR says it was a day that will live in infamy but it wasn’t hard to pull the trigger I just fired for 15 minutes hoping and praying the bombs wouldn’t hit me.

Six medals including the purple heart and the WWII victory is what I claim. Later I died in duty but every time the USS Miller sets sail each soldier on board remembers my name. Dorie Mil ler receives Navy Cross on May 27, 1942

The Bugle Boy

He knows just how to tilt that bugle bell he holds.If the note he delivers is too low the Sergeant scolds.“Look alive soldier, your spirit’s not dead!”“Look alive soldier, the song says move ahead!”He wears the kind of brass you can’t pin down. Eyes forward, heads up and boots on the ground.He’ll keep you in step as you march into the mess hall.This soldier plays the heaven out of “Taps”, the final call.

Unknown Soldier

The Motto & Monument

We can and we will find a way, of this I’m sure

Born to run, we are ready to journey and explore

Pick up the lesson of courage and leave all baggage behind

Let the word forward be in your step and on your mind

The key to life is often buried

within the red, white and blue

So when night comes don’t let freedom escape from you

 

Keep your family, race and nation’s history close at heart

Keep the story of survival at hand when things fall apart

So that slavery, greed and imperialism will truly cease

We keep on trudging until we find the river of peace

For those who crawled and bled to hug the shaking ground

For those who swam for hours to see the anthem sound

 

For those in the trenches fading with the torpedo and tide

For those who can see the good and bad on every side

God bless America may she be a light across the sea

God bless America may she be a land of libertyThe Ft. Leavenworth Monument by Trooper Joey Henderson

Special Thanks

To al l l iving and deceased Buffalo Soldiers

The Junior Troopers and the entire Woods and Wanton Chapter

who commissioned this production:

Trooper Rose Norris

Trooper Frank Bell

Trooper Leroy Carolina

Trooper Don L. Johnson

Artwork by Trooper Joey Henderson

The song “Riding Thunder” by The Native Flute Ensemble

Photos provided by The National Archives and Records Administration

Poetry, Narration & Power Point design by Venus Jones

Venus Jones

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